IES Abroad Dublin - The Best Decision I Ever Made Past Review
By Richard V (Acting, Point Park University) for
IES Abroad: Dublin Direct Enrollment - National Theatre School of Ireland-Gaiety School of Acting
Completely - 100%. Studying in Ireland opened my worldview completely and caused me to want to return to Europe ASAP. It made me reassess what I want out of my life and how to go about getting it. The best 4 months ever.
Personal Information
| How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? | 0-2 weeks |
Review Your Program
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* Overall educational experience
Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc. |
The teaching methods at an acting school in Ireland are a bit different than in the US, so it took some getting used to. The workload was hard - long days, lots of take-home assignments, but lots of payoff, too. This was the best semester of my life, and I wouldn't change the late nights or the hard work for the world. Just know that you will be taking a varied amount of classes, and each class will require quite a bit of work. Not for slackers! The IES portion of the term was also brilliant - great teacher, interesting topics, and lots of theatre visits - what's there not to love? |
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* Host Country Program Administration
On-site administration of your program |
The entire IES staff is a bunch of ROCK STARS. They are on top of everything, there when you need them 24-7, fixing issues the second they are brought up, and always approachable and wanting to help make your experience the best ever. |
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* Housing:
How satisfied were you with your living arrangements? |
The apartment was missing only a few things when we arrived, and we were quickly given them and/or reimbursed for purchases. The hot water heater took a while to get used to, but the apartment was gorgeous, spacious, and right in the middle of town. Completely safe, walked home late many a night, and close to everything in Dublin! |
| * Food: |
Ireland isn't the most vegetarian-friendly place, but with a bit of persistence, you are fine! |
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* Social & Cultural Integration:
How integrated did you feel with the local culture? |
We traveled most weekends, whether to other parts of Ireland or Europe. Dublin is accessible to most major European cities by quick (and often cheap) plane rides. The city itself is very walkable, and quite social - MANY pubs, a number of great clubs, and lots of attractions (lots of them free). A great town, one of my favorites in the world. |
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* Health Care:
How well were health issues addressed during the program? |
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| * Safety: |
No experience with healthcare. As for safety, we had a safety presentation during orientation with a Dublin police officer who clearly explained the do's and don'ts. I don't recall anyone having any safety issues, and we all kept safe by walking in groups, etc. Dublin is a very safe town - a few trouble spots, and you will be well-advised on where they are/how to avoid them. |
| If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? |
Yes
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Finances
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* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?
(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost) |
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Other Program Information
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* Where did you live?
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* Who did you live with?
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A Look Back
| * What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? | Get ready for a hard and extremely rewarding semester - you are going to embark on what will undoubtedly be the best 3 months of your life so far. Enjoy every minute - don't sleep in too much, do everything you can, travel often, and immerse yourself in everything Irish. The best candidates for this program are aspiring actors or creative types, and all those who have a penchant for acting/theatre. |
